I ended up not wanting to lie to the dudes so everyone is aggro, and now it seems I cannot complete rising tide?  I did the puzzle right but nothing happens.  Any help appreciated.

When the high abbot dies his soul should appear and you can get what you need to finish the puzzle. If that isn't working, go to his chambers (key can be found on the high abbot or it can be lockpicked). Inside a chest(it is rigged with a trap) is a journal, reading it should get you what you need to complete the puzzle.